Get your suds & snuggles in at Kittens & Beer

Organized by the Willamette Humane Society (WHS), Kittens & Beer aims to help the shelter’s kittens get human interaction so they may grow to be healthy, friendly and well-socialized adults. It is not an adoption event, so there is no risk of taking home a kitten (although we can’t guarantee you won’t want to). Kitten cuddling shifts are available every 15 minutes. While you wait, take advantage of Santiam Brewing’s food and drink options, which include a delicious variety of British pub fare, craft beer, cider and more. Santiam will donate $1 for every pint sold. And minors are welcome.

This event is part of the Humane Society’s initiative to promote fostering.

“Foster volunteers serve as our second shelter,” said WHS Executive Director BJ Andersen. “They take in animals that are too young, too fragile, or too overwhelmed to stay in the main shelter. With a foster, these dogs and cats can rest, heal, and grow in a loving home environment until they’re ready to move on to the next phase of their lives.”

Foster volunteers are especially needed during the time called “kitten season,” which typically begins in the spring, although adult cats and dogs need help and assistance all year through.

“Many people think they need to be experts in animal care in order to be a successful foster volunteer,” said Jaime Oakeson, WHS Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. “That’s just not true. Some dogs and cats need little more than a bit of patience to thrive. If you’re not comfortable providing intensive, around-the-clock medical care for a tiny kitten, we can still use your help. We appreciate those dedicated medical fosters too, of course. But anyone’s help is both needed and wanted.”

Fosters have access to WHS medical care and an experienced mentor team. These experts can answer questions and step in when needed. WHS also provides all food and supplies, so there are no out-of-pocket expenses for foster volunteers.

“We do our best to make things easy for people to join,” Jaime said. “And this is a great opportunity for anyone that wants to have a short-term commitment with a pet. You get to cuddle and love a dog or a cat for a few weeks, and then you’re back to your normal life. If you travel a lot or you’re not in a space to adopt permanently, this could be a great option.”

“We are so thankful for our fosters,” said BJ. “Each volunteer that takes home a pet in need leaves space for another animal that needs help. It’s a critical part of the work we do in this community, and we just couldn’t do it without fosters.”

Interested in fostering? Sign up on the WHS website. Foster volunteers must be 18 or older and agree to foster at least one animal in the coming year. Foster recruitment is open from now until April.